In less than 48 hours, we'll get our last look at the 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide when it takes the field in Tampa for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan.
2024 didn't go as many hoped as Alabama ultimately missed the College Football Playoff in its first season of a new era following Nick Saban's retirement in January. It wasn't always a smooth transition for Kalen DeBoer, but there were plenty of positive moments that outweighed the disappointing defeats in Nashville, Knoxville, and Norman.
Alabama beat Georgia in a thrilling game in Tuscaloosa at the end of September. The Crimson Tide had impressive home wins over both Missouri and South Carolina as well. The blowout win over LSU in Baton Rouge will always be remembered fondly. And it's hard to be too disappointed in a regular season that wraps up with a win in the Iron Bowl.
A win over Michigan would give the Tide a 17th straight season with 10+ wins. A loss would mean Alabama's worst season since 2007, a fact that DeBoer would very much like to avoid in his inaugural season on the sidelines at the Capstone.
Let's take a look at the ReliaQuest Bowl and make some bold predictions for the Crimson Tide against the Wolverines.
3 bold predictions for Alabama against Michigan
3. Jaylen Mbakwe makes a big play on offense
Jaylen Mbakwe has made the transition to wide receiver, at least for bowl practices. He has swapped from No. 9 to No. 6 as No. 9 on offense was already in use by RB Richard Young, who will also have an increased role in the bowl game as he moved up the depth chart following Justice Haynes entering the Transfer Portal.
Mbakwe isn't likely to start against Michigan on Tuesday; there's simply too little time for him to absorb all the information. Look for freshman Rico Scott to start alongside Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard.
But there will be a package of plays for Mbakwe in Tampa. He'll have an opportunity to show what he can do, and I suspect he'll make a big play when given the opportunity.
2. Ryan Williams gets back into the endzone
Ryan Williams scored six receiving touchdowns in the first five games of his Alabama career. Since then, he only managed two receiving touchdowns in the final seven games of the regular season, and one of them happened against FCS Mercer.
Williams hasn't scored against a Power-4 opponent since Alabama's 24-17 loss in Knoxville to Tennessee.
That changes on New Year's Eve. With 15 additional practices for the bowl game, Williams undoubtedly has taken advantage of the opportunity to get better, which is a scary site for the rest of college football.
Look for Williams to reach the endzone and have a big game for the Crimson Tide on Tuesday.
1. Jalen Milroe goes out with a bang
He hasn't officially announced it yet, but this will be Jalen Milroe's last game for the Crimson Tide. He will almost certainly be entering the 2025 NFL Draft in the aftermath, and I suspect his final bow for Alabama will be a big game in leading the Tide to a win over Michigan.
Milroe has traditionally played well when he's well-rested and has had extra time to prepare for an opponent. He was terrific following bye weeks this year against Georgia and LSU. He was outstanding against LSU last year following a bye week, too.
I think that trend carries over and Milroe has a big game against Michigan to cap his Alabama career. I think he'll score four total touchdowns - two rushing and two passing - as Alabama beats Michigan by multiple scores to get to 10 wins.